Mais Oui! French Prez Is Friend to Business

Sarkozy embraces entrepreneurs, pushes limits on worker's rights

By Heather McPherson, Newser User

Posted Jul 28, 2007 7:42 AM CDT

(Newser) – France could see a longer work week and new limits on workers' right to strike if President Nicholas Sarkozy gets his way. He's already reduced wealth taxes on certain investments and practically eliminated the inheritance tax, the Los Angeles Times reports. But supporters insist he will not erode social benefits or copy the freewheeling American style of capitalism.

Entrepreneurs are thrilled at the President's proposed reforms, noting that it's extremely expensive to run a small- to medium-sized company in France. But the next part of Sarkozy's grand plan is bound to encounter more resistance: He wants a bill that would guarantee minimum transportation service during labor strikes, plus 2-days notice of intention to strike.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, right, gestures as he speaks to journalists during a press conference while former Prime Minister Edouard Balladur stands next to him at the Elysee Palace Wednesday,... (Associated Press)

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, right, shares a word with Luxembourg's Finance Minister Jean Claude Juncker during a meeting of euro group finance ministers in Brussels, Monday July 9, 2007. France... (Associated Press)

French President Nicolas Sarkozy gestures as he addresses reporters during a press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Tuesday, July 24, 2007. Sarkozy said Tuesday that neither the European Union... (Associated Press)

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Mais Oui! French Prez Is Friend to Business

Sarkozy embraces entrepreneurs, pushes limits on worker's rights

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France Toughens Citizenship Gauntlet

Now citizens must pass test of language, 'values'

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Sarko to French Pols: Put Down the Croissants

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Nicolas Sarkozy • France • labor • reform • French politics • French economy

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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More Newser Stories

France Toughens Citizenship Gauntlet

Now citizens must pass test of language, 'values'

Chirac, PM Took $20M From African Leaders: Aide

Claims money was sometimes hidden in drums

Sarko to French Pols: Put Down the Croissants

French government gets the fitness bug after president loses 15 pounds

Former French PM Accused In Sarko Scandal

De Villepin will stand trial on false money- laundering accusation

In Paris, President Envy: 'There Is No French Obama'

Country's egalitarian tradition takes a hit

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Newser By Users

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